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Malice by Mail
A poison pen letter is a letter or note containing unpleasant, abusive or malicious statement accusations about the recipient or a third party and is usually sent anonymously.
Following his assault upon a senior officer and to the surprise of his colleagues in Strathclyde Police CID, Detective Sergeant Eddie Fairbanks serves no more than a short period of ‘gardening leave.’
While the consequence of his action should normally include at best demotion and a return to uniformed duties or at worse, being sacked, Fairbanks is surprised to learn he will not only retain his rank, but is disciplined with nothing more than a cross-Divisional posting to Maryhill Police Office.
However, his arrival at Maryhill provokes conflicting reactions ranging from outright hostility to downright curiosity.
But then Fairbanks receives his first Divisional inquiry; track down the author of a malicious poison pen letter that he comes to believe has resulted in the death of an innocent man.
As further letters are reported being received by a number of individuals with no apparent connection between them and frustratingly, no suspect, Fairbanks and his new neighbour, Constable Susie Lauder, realise the malevolent author is now responsible for not only causing extreme distress, but as the letters continue, some also become the catalyst for physical harm.
Intermixed with his investigation, Fairbanks has to deal with a hugely personal issue that not only impacts on his private life, but threatens to distract him from an increasingly complicated inquiry that in due course, parallels a murder investigation.
Following his assault upon a senior officer and to the surprise of his colleagues in Strathclyde Police CID, Detective Sergeant Eddie Fairbanks serves no more than a short period of ‘gardening leave.’
While the consequence of his action should normally include at best demotion and a return to uniformed duties or at worse, being sacked, Fairbanks is surprised to learn he will not only retain his rank, but is disciplined with nothing more than a cross-Divisional posting to Maryhill Police Office.
However, his arrival at Maryhill provokes conflicting reactions ranging from outright hostility to downright curiosity.
But then Fairbanks receives his first Divisional inquiry; track down the author of a malicious poison pen letter that he comes to believe has resulted in the death of an innocent man.
As further letters are reported being received by a number of individuals with no apparent connection between them and frustratingly, no suspect, Fairbanks and his new neighbour, Constable Susie Lauder, realise the malevolent author is now responsible for not only causing extreme distress, but as the letters continue, some also become the catalyst for physical harm.
Intermixed with his investigation, Fairbanks has to deal with a hugely personal issue that not only impacts on his private life, but threatens to distract him from an increasingly complicated inquiry that in due course, parallels a murder investigation.
395 pages, Paperback
Published October 14, 2023
About the author
George Donald
61 books8 followersGeorge Donald, Glasgow born, left school aged 15. Enlisting in the army aged 17 years, he served as a Royal Engineer Commando from 1971 to 1977. Upon his discharge, George joined Strathclyde Police where he served for 22 years, including 16 years as a CID officer.
Medically discharged in 1999, George returned to the police in 2001 and to date, works in a civilian administrative roll. Happily married for over thirty years to Anne and now residing in Hamilton, George is the proud father of three daughters, two sons in law, one fiancé and grandfather to Evie.
Medically discharged in 1999, George returned to the police in 2001 and to date, works in a civilian administrative roll. Happily married for over thirty years to Anne and now residing in Hamilton, George is the proud father of three daughters, two sons in law, one fiancé and grandfather to Evie.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
October 28, 2023
A great plot and believable characters, I love the way Mr Donald weaves the threads of the story together. So basically someone is sending our notes to what seem like random people. This causes a knock on effect that has to be dealt with by the police.
And so the threads begin at first seem to unravel but then the weaving begins
The story had me enthralled from start to finish. The way he writes is golden, it keeps you wanting to read, wanting to be part of the story.
I also love the way the author gives you an update on what happens after the plot has ended.
And so the threads begin at first seem to unravel but then the weaving begins
The story had me enthralled from start to finish. The way he writes is golden, it keeps you wanting to read, wanting to be part of the story.
I also love the way the author gives you an update on what happens after the plot has ended.
January 6, 2024
Malice By Mail
I’ve had the pleasure to have read all your books, short stories as well, I find that they are easy to read, and the story lines are very different from one book to the other. Keep on writing, and if you see any mistakes with my spelling in this review, well I’m sure you’ll understand. Ron👍
I’ve had the pleasure to have read all your books, short stories as well, I find that they are easy to read, and the story lines are very different from one book to the other. Keep on writing, and if you see any mistakes with my spelling in this review, well I’m sure you’ll understand. Ron👍
November 13, 2023
unputdownableTh
This book is really unputdownable fast moving story based around great characters each with their own stories. Well done Mr Donald a cracker
This book is really unputdownable fast moving story based around great characters each with their own stories. Well done Mr Donald a cracker
December 23, 2023
Excellent read
Twists and turns aplenty
Kept me guessing till the end.
Keep them coming George
I am looking forward to the next book already
Twists and turns aplenty
Kept me guessing till the end.
Keep them coming George
I am looking forward to the next book already
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews